The manifestation and remediation of pregnancy discrimination in hiring situations

Author

Kazama, Stephanie M.

Date

2002

Advisor

Hebl, Michelle R.

Degree

Master of Arts thesis

Abstract

Using a field study methodology, the current research investigates potential formal and interpersonal discrimination against pregnant women in hiring situations, as well as how such discrimination might be remediated. Female confederates, who were manipulated with a prosthesis to sometimes appear pregnant, applied for part-time jobs in local retail stores. Multiple sources of data were gathered from their interactions with store employees and analyzed for instances of formal discrimination (e.g., job callbacks) and interpersonal discrimination (e.g., smiling). Results indicated that although employees were giving pregnant and non-pregnant applicants job callbacks at approximately the same rates, pregnant applicants were being discriminated against through other formal channels and interpersonally. Moreover, attempts to remediate pregnancy discrimination were largely unsuccessful. Theoretical and practical considerations of these findings will be addressed. Further exploratory results are also discussed, and the theoretical and practical considerations of these findings are addressed.